Supreme Court of India Ensures Safety for Doctors Amid RG Kar Hospital Incident

New Delhi, August 22: The Supreme Court of India has issued several directions to ensure the safety of health professionals and urged doctors to return to work. This comes in response to the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Key Directions from the Supreme Court

A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra, emphasized the importance of doctors resuming their duties for the public health infrastructure to function effectively. The court also highlighted the long working hours faced by doctors in public hospitals.

The Supreme Court directed the Health Ministry’s secretary to collaborate with state Chief Secretaries and the Director General of Police to ensure the safety of doctors willing to return to work. Additionally, the court instructed the Ministry of Health to create a portal for stakeholders to submit suggestions before the committee.

Support from Medical Organizations

Various organizations, including FAIMA and the National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS, had urged the court to provide interim safety measures for doctors until the National Task Force’s recommendations are implemented.

Peaceful Protests and Safety Measures

The court directed states and Union Territories to prevent any violence at medical establishments and not to take action against those peacefully protesting the RG Kar incident. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that CISF has been deployed at RG Kar Medical College.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The Supreme Court noted that the CBI and Kolkata government have filed status reports, and the Kolkata Police is investigating the vandalism. The court also questioned the Kolkata Police about delays in registering the FIR and the timing of the post-mortem. The hearing will continue on September 5.